Ames City Council | July 28, 2026

The Ames City Council meeting on July 28, 2026, covered a range of topics including a child care feasibility study funded in part by the city, with a $10,000 investment, highlighting workforce shortages as a key barrier. The Council discussed a temporary pause on new data center applications, including the Lightedge proposal, and approved a nine-month delay to allow for further study and public input. They also approved resolutions related to annexation of properties, community development block grant plans, and several infrastructure projects such as a low point drainage project and traffic system capacity improvements at 13th and Grand. Significant procurement actions included awarding a contract to Wartsila North America for three 18.13 MW dual fuel engines totaling approximately $76.8 million inclusive of taxes, tariffs, and surety bond, and a contract to Calhoun Sales for a generator step-up transformer for $2.47 million. The Council also addressed historic preservation appeals and various memos and reports related to public works and planning. Motions were passed to continue public hearings, approve rezoning ordinances, and direct staff to provide additional information on topics such as environmental impacts of data centers and public benefits of such facilities.